Frida Selma Tayet Gerla's Obituary
Frida Selma Tayet Gerla
Frida Selma Tayet Gerla was born February 16, 1910, and passed away on March 12, 2012. At 102 years of age, Frida, the consummate teacher, with her family at her bedside, graduated to the highest level, Heaven. Born in the family home in Tacoma, Frida was the daughter of Norwegian immigrants. She attended McKinley Hill, Lincoln High, and Pacific Lutheran University. At a very young age she knew her "calling" was education, and from about 3rd grade she set her sights on becoming a classroom teacher. Her "Depression Era" career began in single-room schools that spanned the breadth of grades from 1st through 12th. Prior to World War Two, Frida married John Gerla, also a teacher, and together they set off to find adventure and fulfillment in educating future generations. Frida's public school career encompassed over 42 years of service, from Auburn, Chinook, Clover Park, and back to Tacoma. Her final 27 years in the public sector landed her at Franklin Elementary, teaching her most favorite age, first grade. Frida touched and influenced the lives of thousands of young people. Prior students from almost every career path and level of prominence would return to her or write and express their gratitude for her impact on their lives. To Frida, this was the best tribute to one who passionately lived out her belief in projecting a positive paradigm, encouraging out the best performance and keep students coming back for more Teaching, however, was not merely a "day job" for Frida. She taught Sunday School at First Assembly of God Life Center in Tacoma from the time she was about 15 for about 75 years. It was with the same, if not greater, passion she approached teaching in the church setting; imparting to children faith and hope in Christ through songs and stories and examples. Beyond teaching, Frida will be remembered by those closest to her for her love for family and friends and her loyalties to both. She is survived by her oldest sister and friend, Bergliot Tayet Hammerstrom. She is also survived by the nephew who became son, Rodney Tayet, and wife Nini Tayet, grandson Brenton Tayet and wife Kristen Tayet, their children Oliver Tayet and Evangeline Tayet, granddaughter Mindy Tayet Shiroma and husband Ryan Shiroma, and granddaughter Hillary Tayet. Frida also leaves a treasure trove of life and love with nephew Weldon T. Johnson and wife Jaroslava Z. Johnson, and their daughter, who was like a granddaughter, Sophia J. Johnson. Also special nephew Rolf L. Johnson and wife DeAnn Johnson, along with sons Erik Johnson and family and Brian Johnson. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the entire staff of caring individuals at the Wynwood of Allenmore Assisted Living Center, who graciously provided personal attention for many years. We owe a special debt of thanks to the wonderful Franciscan Hospice Team, especially Gina, Pat, SummerLove, and Diane. A memorial service is planned for Friday, April 6th, 2012, 2:00 PM, at the First Assembly of God Life Center Church, 1717 Union Avenue South, Tacoma WA. Memorials and gifts are deeply appreciated and should reference: "The Tayet Family Endowment Scholarship Fund" at Pacific Lutheran University benefiting Students studying Education. Please address correspondence to: PLU Office of Development, Tacoma, WA 98447.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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